SUMMARY
- Mbappe's transfer news is the topic of discussion in soccer world, while it's almost certain he will end up in Real Madrid other top clubs are also trying for him.
- Guardiola was asked about the Frenchman in a recent Interview, to which he gave a sarcastic response.
Pep Guardiola is often found answering questions during press conferences with a sarcastic tone. The Spanish manager had added yet another statement in a sarcastic way. And this time it involves none other than French soccer prodigy Kylian Mbappe.
Following the news that Kylian Mbappe is leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, the media has started to figure out his next destination. While most people say that his joining Real Madrid is almost confirmed, reports also suggest a few other clubs lining up for the Frenchman.
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And keeping in mind the possibility, Guardiol was recently asked to state his views regarding the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner. The Manchester City manager answered the question with a touch of pun, stating, “I think he’s quite good; I think he has a future”.
Be it speculations or something else, pundits think that if Manchester City becomes successful in securing the services of the Frenchman, then there’s no stopping them from next season. Pep Guardiola would love to have an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland upfront.
Kylian Mbappe’s representative met Manchester City
Although Pep Guardiola’s response came amidst the air of speculation regarding the Frenchman joining Manchester City, reports suggest that a few of Mbappe’s unofficial representatives recently met Manchester City officials in Manchester last week.
A meeting is said to have taken place last Monday, February 12, between the two parties. It is reported that one of Mbappe’s advisors was spotted at Manchester City’s training ground on the eve of their UEFA Champions League tie against Copenhagen.
🚨 BREAKING: Kylian Mbappé has signed his Real Madrid contract till 2029. @marca ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Ap45lLtrt3
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 19, 2024
However, Real Madrid has always been the frontrunner in the race to sign the PSG star. It is also reported that the 25-year-old has already signed a pre-contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that will keep him at the club until 2029. Mbappe will also be the highest earner in the squad, followed by Toni Kroos, David Alaba, and Luka Modric. However, the finances this time are low compared to the last time Real Madrid approached him.
Pep Guardiola apologizes to Kalvin Phillips for his absurd comment.
Lack of game time over the last two seasons has seen English international Kalvin Phillips leave Manchester City on loan to West Ham United. However, not only proper game time, but a comment regarding the English midfielder from Pep Guardiola made headlines back in 2022.
Upon returning from the England squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Kalvin Phillips was dropped from the Manchester City squad for a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool. Citing the reason, Guardiola stated it has to do with his fitness, referring to him as being overweight.
🔵 Pep Guardiola on overweight comments about Kalvin Phillips: “I’m sorry…”.
“Once in eight years is not bad, but I’m so sorry. I apologised to him, I do apologise, I’m so sorry”. pic.twitter.com/pOGwHSjidy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2024
However, it didn’t go down well with the former Leeds United midfielder. Not happy with the comments made about him by his manager, Phillips said it was a big knock on his confidence. And since then, both of them didn’t have the best of terms, forcing Phillips to leave for West Ham on loan.
However, during a recent interview, Guardiola admitted his mistake and tried to take his words back. The former Barcelona treble-winning manager said, “I do apologize to him. I’m so sorry.”
Kalvin Phillips was signed by Manchester City in the summer of 2022 from his boyhood club Leeds United for a fee of $55 million. He currently has four years left on his contract with the Citizens.